When you have to get something from the DMV, typically, you know what you need. You might go to the DMV to renew your driver’s license, receive new tags, register a vehicle, or get new plates.

Other times, you might go to the DMV because you have more complicated requests. Maybe you have to get a duplicate copy of your title because you lost or destroyed the original. Or, perhaps, you need to get TLC plates, which include many steps in the application process. 

Regardless of the simplicity of your request, you probably have success at getting what you need at the DMV. You’re usually clear about your reason for going because you know what you need to accomplish. 

But what happens if you don’t? What happens when you’re a little unsure of what you need? For example, what if you need to get a driver’s license abstract? 

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably never heard of this type of document. It’s not a popular topic of conversation, especially when it comes to DMV services. Most discussions around the DMV usually center around more exciting topics, like getting your first driver’s license or taking a permit test.   

But a driver’s license abstract is equally important. It can open and close doors for you. So, you should know what it is and how you can get one quickly. 

To better understand a driver’s license abstract, you want to learn the definition of just abstracts.  

The New York DMV defines an abstract as a summary of your driving, registration, or title record. The organization also explains that a certified abstract includes the same material, but it contains the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles’ signature. 

Taking that insight into consideration, a driver’s license abstract is simply a summary of your driving history within your state. However, it is different from a driving record. 

While it’s easy to refer to the two documents interchangeably, a driving record contains information about a business, organization, person, or vehicle. It doesn’t strictly stick to providing the details about your driving history. 

The exact information on a license abstract will differ from state to state, so what you see on your friends might vary from what you see on yours. However, there is some crossover that you might notice. 

Driver’s license abstracts tend to provide information on significant events like moving violations and accidents. In some states like New York, the documentation goes a little further. 

For example, maybe you were in an accident, but you weren’t at fault for the accident. Even in this scenario, the accident will still appear on your driver’s license abstract. And in most cases, it will remain there for about four years. 

The same is true for moving violations. They will stay on your driver’s license abstract for four years. 

The date that you received your driver’s license will appear on your abstract. This date is essential for car insurance companies because it might qualify you for certain deals and discounts. 

However, what happens if the state revoked your license, but you still want to take advantage of good car insurance rates? Luckily, there are ways around this. If you took another road test and got a different type of license, that start date will appear on your abstract instead. 

If you’ve never tried to clear or terminate a revoked or suspended license, your abstract will still include that you have a revoked or suspended license. Removing this information is, therefore, paramount. 

You don’t want these details to show up for people to review. So, if the state suspended your license, pay the fee to clear it. And if the state revoked your license, see if you can take another road test to get a different license. 

A significant amount of information can show up on your driver’s license abstract, which means they’re essential documents. But why are they so crucial? 

A driver’s license abstract is important for employers and insurance companies. 

For example, maybe you’re applying to become a driver for a delivery company. If so, it’s a protocol for that employer to determine whether you’re a good candidate for the job. One of the best ways to do that is to review your driver’s license abstract. 

Looking at this document will give the employer insight into whether you’ve had extensive moving violations or accidents. A driver’s license abstract will also provide everything in chronological order so that the employer knows if your accidents are recent. 

Based on the details in the report, the employer can discern if you’re a potential liability to the company. And if you are one, it’s unlikely you’ll get the job.

Insurance agents go through a similar assessment. When they request your driver’s license abstract, they’re trying to discern if you’re a risky driver. 

The insight they gain will determine the policy rate they offer. For example, if you have a history of getting tickets or into accidents, your insurance premium could be expensive. 

If you need a driver’s license abstract for an employer or insurance company to review, you can obtain it in two different ways. 

The first strategy is the hard one because it involves the DMV. If you want to get a driver’s license abstract through the DMV, the rules may differ depending on the state, so you’ll want to check your local DMV’s website for instructions. 

However, you should be able to request for one in-person, online, or through the mail. The first two options may sound easy, but they’re just as complicated as the third. 

Going in-person to the DMV requires you to wait in long lines and boring waiting rooms. And even if you’ve made an appointment, you still may experience a wait time if the DMV employees are running behind. 

Going online is also a bad idea if you need a driver’s license abstract quickly. After requesting for one online, you may have to wait several days to receive it. For example, in New York, the DMV will take a minimum of five days to prepare your driver’s license abstract for download. 

And you definitely don’t want to consider getting the document through snail mail. Since the DMV isn’t Amazon Prime, you could wait weeks to get your driver’s license abstract, especially since you have to start the process by mailing material into the DMV for review. 

The second and best way to get a driver’s license abstract is through companies that offer DMV services without being a DMV organization. 

For example, Barry Risk Management, Inc. offers you the opportunity to get a driver’s license abstract without ever interacting with the DMV. And the best part is that it all happens online. 

You don’t have to leave your home, and you don’t have to wait a long time to receive what you need. Barry Risk Management, Inc. will provide your driver’s license abstract quicker than the DMV. 

What’s even better is that it doesn’t matter where you live. The representatives at Barry Risk Management, Inc. can provide your driver’s license abstract regardless of the state you call home.  

For a quick and convenient way to get your driver’s license abstract, contact a representative Barry Risk Management, Inc. today.